DEVELOPERS behind a bar plan for part of the old BHS building have scaled back their ambitions - but police are still dead against the scheme.

Owners Lloyds Bank SF Nominees have asked for planning permissions for 11 New Street, part of the old BHS store, to become a new bar and restaurant.

Bar chain Revolucion de Cuba has been revealed as the potential new operator, but the plans have faced heavy opposition from both police and neighbouring businesses worried about drink-fuelled disorder, noise, and traffic safety on the busy street.

Now planning papers reveal the owners and their agents Indigo Planning have scaled back their plans, getting rid of a pavement cafe and a roof terrace.

York Press:

In a letter to planners, Indigo argue the application is now simply for a change-of-use. Recent planning appeals show councils should not to refuse proposals for drinking establishments because the new premises would bring more people into the area, and increase disturbance, they said. Any worries about noise, delivery times and opening hours can also be dealt with the licensing applications, they added, and are not part of the planning process.

However, the North Yorkshire Police designing out crime officer Jim Shanks has written to planners to say the fact New Street is already in the city’s Cumulative Impact Zone shows the area already has “serious problems with crime and disorder”, and that should be taken into account in planning decisions.